Adjustable school seat and desk.



-H. ELMAXWELL.

ADJUSTABLE SCHOOL SEAT AND DESK.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 10. I915.

Patented Oct. 3, 1916.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l- H. E. MAXWELL.

ADJUSTABLE 8HO0L SEAT AND DESK.

APP LICAT'ION FILED FEB. 10. '1915.

1,200,389; Patented Oct. 3,1916.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

UNITED STATES PATENT oFFroE.

HENRY E. MAXWELL, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

ADJUSTABLE SCHOOL SEAT AND DESK.

Specification of Letters Patent. I P t t d 0 1 3 1916 Application filed February 10, 1915. Serial No. 7,218.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY E. MAXWELL, a citizen of the United States,and a resident of the city of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Adjustable School Seats and Desks; and I do hereby declare that the following'is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the numeralsof reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

The variation in size of pupils in the grammar school grades is considerable, and difliculty is often experienced in properly seating a large number of children on this account. A number of experimental tests made in classrooms has demonstrated that the backwardness and apparent mental deficiency of certain pupils is directly traceable to the fact that the pupils are compelledto sit in an incorrect posture, either being too large or too small for the seat and desk at which they are placed. Then, too,

physical deformities are liable to result where the child is incorrectly seated, or even if correctly seated, is caused to work upon a desk which is at an improper height.

This invention relates to an adjustable desk and seat which may be easily adjusted, requiring no special tools for the purpose, and when adjusted, locked rigidly in position. Heretofore the objection to the design of the adjustable school seats and desks has been the number of complicated parts involved, making manufacture thereof expensive, and introducing difficulties in adjusting the same, requiring an expert for the purpose. By my invention, however, the instructor or even a child, may readily adjust the seat and desk to proper positions, and the design has been simplified with the end in view of providing a device capable of being manufactured at low cost. This is largely due to an improved hinge construction which requires no machining, and which forms a part of the adjustable mechanisms of the device. It isan object, therefore, of this invention to construct an adjustable school seat which, by the detachment of a single locking element, permits adjustment of the seat, raising or lowering the same as desired, and'when adjusted, attachment of said element serving to hold the seat rigidly locked in position.

- It'is also an object of this invention to construct an adjustable school seat embracing a hinge of novel construction with the parts inseparably connected with one another and when attached to the seat, per

mitting folding of the same into position out f of use, and furthermore, adjustable on the frame to permit raising and lowering of the seat, as desired. a

It is also an important object of this invention', to construct a device embracing a frame provided with notched slots adapted to receive the gudgeon pins of frame elements to support a desk and seat therein, permitting adjustment of each thereof independently of the other in the frame, and with mechanisms readily attachable and detachable from said gudgeon pins, to rigidly lock the parts in position.

It is furthermore an important object of this invention to construct an improved frame for school desks and seats to receive a desk and seat mounted thereon, each independently adjustable and capable of being rigidly secured in any adjusted position, preventing accidental or unauthorized adjustment of the parts.

Itis finally an object of this invention to improve the general construction of school desks and seats, facilitating the assembly thereof and affording an element of adjustability to suit the convenience of persons of different stature, which is simple in design and construction and capable of adjustment by an inexperienced person.

The invention (in a preferred form) is illustrated in the drawings and hereinafter more fully described.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a device embodying the principles of my invention with the operation illustrated in dotted lines. Fig. 2 is a front elevation thereof. Fig. 3 is a section taken on line 33 of Fig- 2. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary detached rear elevational view of the adjustable desk member. Fig. 5 is a section taken on line 55 of.Fig. 1, butwith the seat back shown in elevation. Fig. 6 1s a fragmentary enlarged view illustratinga Fig. 11 is a detail section taken on line 11-11 of Fig. 9. Fig. 12 is a detail sectiontaken on line 12-12 of Fig. 4, with parts omitted;

As shown in the drawings: The reference numeral 1, indicates as a whole one of two rigid base frames provided with feet permitting the same to be screwed to the floor, each of said frames being exactly similar in construction with the exception that one is a right side and the other a leftside frame member. member 1, is an extension 2, which on its interior surface, is provided with .vertical ribs 3, cast integral therewith and affording a guideway .therebetween. A notch or corrugated slot 4, isdisposed vertically, though not necessarily so, in each of said frame extensions 2, between the ribs 3, and slidably mounted upon the interior face of each of saidframe extensions 2, 1n the guldeways thereof are hinge members 5 and 6, respectively, each having an integral gudgeonpin projecting from the surface thereof through the respective slots 4, the gudgeon pin on the member 5, being denoted by the reference numeral 7, and slightly longer than the gudgeon pin denoted by the reference numeral 8, on the member 6, as clearly shown in Fig. 7 Said members 5 and 6, are each provided with integral side flanges 9, which overlapthe guide ribs 3, although as clearly shown in Fig. 7, when the hinge members are in an adjusted position in the frame extension 2, the hinge member 6, does'not lie closely against the frame, being supported, however, therein in the notched slot 4, by means of its gudgeon pin 8.

' Formed integrally on the upper end of eachof the respective members 5 and 6, are

rounded pivot heads 10, which fit rotatably into integral hinge members 11, cast therearound. This construction is obtained in a novel manner, the hinge member 5 or 6, as the case may be, being made first. The head 10, thereon, is then dipped into molasses and then into parting sand, and a segmental core 7 is then attached on the periphery thereof, andthe whole used as a core for a mold in which the hinge member 11, is formed. The

core attached on the head 10, forms the pe-. 'ripheral slot 12, which is clearly shown in 1 Fig. 11, in the hinge member 11, the attached core having been of such a length and in such a position as to form a slot 12, in the hinge member 11, with the integral projection 13,011 the head 10, disposed in the slot so formed. The projection 13, moving in said peripheral slot12, thus acts as a means for limiting the rotational" movement or throw between the respective connected hinge members. Asclearly shown in Fig. 10, the hinge member 11,'is'eXtended in length and curved( and. provided with a dovetail tongue 14, thus permitting the slats, composinga seat 15 ,"to be engaged thereon.

Formed integral with said frame detaching the same.

the seat.

As clearly shown in Fig. 7, the respective gudgeon pins? and 8, of the hinge members are each provided with a narrowed cutaway or recessed surface, in each case denoted by the reference numeral 18, so that when said hinged members 5 and 6, are

shifted to the right from the position shown in Fig. 7, the recessed portions of said gudgeon pins will be registered between the notches in the respective slots 4. The gudgeon pins are thus permitted to move longitudinally in the slots for adjustment desired, and after which of course the hinge members 5 and 6, are shifted again to the left, so that the rounded portions of said pins engage in the round notches of the 7 slots, and are prevented from movement. In order to prevent an accidental or unauthorized shifting movement of said hinge members 5 and 6, from the position shown in Figs. 2 and 7, a clutch'or locking mem her is provided for engagement upon the gudgeon pin .7. This member consists of a single integral block 19, which is cored out on its interior to afford a recess 20, therein, and on one of its surfaces is provided with a key-hole-shaped slot 21, as clearly shown in Fig. 8. The circular portion of said slot 21, is sufficiently large to permit the block to be inserted over the rounded outer end of the gudgeon pin 7, and then permitting said block to be moved downwardly with the convergent edges of the key-hole slot wedging on each side of the recessed portion 18, of the pin. This prevents retraction of thepin through the slot 4, of the frame extension 2, and consequently prevents unauthorizedfadjustment of the hinge members.

It will be apparent therefore that the narrowed flat portion 18, of the gudgeon pin 7 serves two purposes, that of permitting an adjusting movement .of the pin in the slot 4, and'als'o as a means of engagement for the locking member 19, upon the pin.

Although the locking member 19, acts efficiently and positively upon the gudgeon pin 7, to hold the hinge members shifted, as shown in Fig. 7, still it is possible, especially in a schoolroom, that a mischievous child might kick the same upwardly, thus In order to prevent this occurrence a tapered pin 22, may be driven through apertures provided in the 'lower end of said block 19, so that the pin is disposed beneath the head of the gudgeon pin 7, thus preventing said block being thrust upwardly out of engagement with the gudgeon pin, except Whensaid tapered pin is first removed. 4

, Mounted on the upper front edge of said frames 1, are a series of wooden slats 23, being engaged upon dovetail tongues similar to those described, to afford a back for said seat 15, and with the uppermost of said slats of the back 23, secured in position by a screwto hold all of the slats properly engaged upon the frame members.

The desk top is designated by the reference numeral 24, and is provided with a dovetail groove, to permit engagement there of upon side bracket frames 25 and 26, respectively which, on their inner surfaces, are each provided with ribs '27, to permit the in sertion of a shelf board or member 28, therein. Said respective desk and shelf members are held in secured position by a single screw, denoted respectively by the reference numerals 29 and 30, in Fig. 3.

Formed integrally on the exterior surface of the bracket frame 26, are gudgeon pins 31, each having a flat narrowed recessed portion 32, corresponding to the recessed portions 18, of the pins 7 and 8, before referred to. Similarly formed on the exterior surface of the bracket frame 25, are recessed ,Qjudgeon pins 33 and 34, the pin 34, being longer than either the gudgeon pins 31 or 33. A number of notched or corrugated slots for the reception 'of said respective gudgeon pins 31, 33, and 34,.are provided in the frame members 1, and are denoted by the reference numerals 35 and 36, respectively. The adjustable desk top and bracket frames rigidly associated therewith are held in an adjusted position by a locking member designated by the reference numeral 37, which is exactly similar in construction to the locking member 19, before described, and when in use is attached upon the long gudgeon pin 34, of the desk top'frame member 25. A kick board 38, is mounted between the respective frame members 1, as clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

The operation is as follows: The hinge members which support the seat 15, move in guides provided on the main frame 1, and are adjustable vertically therein, but only after the seat member as a whole has been shifted transversely of the frame in order to bring the gudgeon pins 7 and 8, respectively into a position such that the recessed or flat narrowed portions of said pins are registered in the slots 4, of the frame, so that an adjusting movement of said pins in the slots is permitted. After the seat has been adjusted, of course it is again shifted transversely, so that the roundedportions of the pins engage in the rounded recesses or notches of the slots, and the hinge members are thus rigidly supported in position. The purpose of the lock or clutch member 19, is to prevent a transverse displacement'of the seat accidentally after the same has been placed in an adjusted position, theentire weight, however, being borne by the gudgeon 7 pins, the guides or ribs 3, on each of the hinge members servingto give the construction rigidity.

In order to attach the locking block 19, it is only necessary to insert the enlarged rounded end of the keyhole slot 21, over the rounded end of the pin 7, and then slide the member downwardly with the edges of the slot 21, engaging inthe recessed portion 18, of the pin, so that the outer rounded end of said pin is engaged inthe recess 20, within the block beneath the convergent edges of the slot 21. As a further precaution against an unauthorized adjustment of the seat, said locking member 19, is provided with a cotter pin 22, which is driven through apertures provided therein for the purpose, and is disposed beneath the end of the pin 7, so that said block cannot be detached unless said pin 22, is first removed.

As already pointed out in the specification, the hinges for the seat are of novel construction, being inseparably connected with one another. That is to say, the hinge members 11, are actually molded around the pintle heads 10, of the hinge members 5 and 6, and the projection 13, on said pintle heads limits the movement of the hinge members 11, according to the length of the peripheral slot 12, formed therein, as clearly shown in Fig. 11. The two positions of movement of the seat limited by said projection .13, are clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 3. In providing for the adjustment of the desk top of the device, an identical construction is involved. However, two sets of slots, each denoted by the reference numerals and 36, are provided in the frame members 1, so thatfour slotsare used to support the desk top and theshelf member 28, which is associated therewith. The side bracket frames 25 and 26, are adjustable in the main frame members 1, being provided with gudgeon pms engaging 1n the aforesaid slots 35 and 36, and one of said gudgeonpins, that 1s, the pin 34, being longer than the rest,

similarly to the pin 7 before described, in

order to permit engagement thereon of a raised accordingly, to accommodate a smaller or larger child, as the case may be. The. length of the slots is mmaterial, and'may be varied to suit conditions, of course the greater'the length of the slots the greater the amplitude of adjustment of the parts. If desired, of course the back 23, of the device may be rigidly associated with the desk tion would fall well within the scope of my invention.

Iam aware that various details of con struction may be varied through a wide range without departing from the principles of this invention, and I therefore do not purpose limiting the patent granted other wise than necessitated by the prior art.

I claim as my invention: p 1. The combination with frame members having slots therein, said slots having notched edges, of means adjustably mounted on saidframe members, gudgeon pin extensions on said means projecting through said slots, said pins having recesses there-' in adapted when said recesses are shifted into register with the edges of said slots to permit adjusting movements of said means and when shifted out of registerwith said.

slots preventing adjusting movements of said means, and wedge clutch mechanisms adapted to interlock with the recesses of certain of said pins to prevent shifting movements thereof for adjustment of said means.

2. In a device of the class described, frame members having slots therein, hinge members adj ustably mounted on said frame members, gudgeon pins integral with said hinge members projecting through the slots in said frame members, said pins having re" cesses therein adapted when said hinge members are laterally shifted whereby said recesses are in register with the edges of said slots to permit adjustment of said hinge members in said frame members and when adjusted out of register with said slots'preventing adjustment of said hinge members,

andclutch blocks adapted to be engaged on the outer end of certain of said gudgeon pins interlocking with the recesses thereof to lock the same andpreventing shifting movement of said hingemembers and gudgeon pins in the frame members.

3. In a device of the class described, frame members, hinge members adjustable thereon, gudgeon pins extending through slots insaid frame members and rigid on said hinge members, and wedge clutch blocks adapted to wedgingly engage on the outer end of certain of said gudgeon pins preventing shifting movement thereof to lock said hinge members on the frame members.

eL'In a device of the class described, framemembers, hinge members adjustably mountedgtliereon, gudgeon pins integral on said hinge members and projecting through slots provided therefor in said frame members, and a cored out lockingblock adapted V 5. In a device of the class described frame 7 members having slots therein with notches in the sides thereof, hinge members mounted on said'fr'ame members, gudgeon pins on 'said hinge members engaging in said slots and having recesses therein to permit movement thereof in said slots, a seat mounted on said hingeinembers, and mechanism to lock said hinge members from adjustment in said slots by engagement with the recesses in thehinge gudgeon pins.

6. In a device of the class described a frame, hinges vertically adjustable and laterally shiftable therein, g'udgeonsintegral with said hinges projecting through slots in the frame, a seat mounted on said hinges, and mechanism adapted to be detachably engaged on one of said gudgeons to lock said hinges from lateral shifting movement to hold the hinges from vertical adjustment'in said frame. I

7. In a device of the class described, frame members, hinge members adjustable thereon, integral gudgeon pin extensions on said hinge members projecting through slots in said frame members, said slots having notched edges adapted to receive the pins in one position to lock the same from adjust ment therein and thereby support saidhinge members rigidly in the frame members and permitting adjusting movements of said hinge members when the hinge members are shifted laterally in theframe members, and a wedge block adapted to be detachably engaged over the outer end of one of said gudgeon pins to lock, said hinge members fromlateralmovement in the frame members. 8. In a device of the class described a frame, guides formed thereon, hinge members mounted to move in said guides, slots in said frame, means on said hinge members 9. Ina device of the class described a frame, guides formed thereon, hinge members mounted on said frame and movable in said guides, a seat connected on said hlnge members, sa d hinge members capable of a lateral shifting movement preliminary to movement in said guides, and a clutch Wedge mechanism attachable on one of said hinged members to prevent said shifting movement and adapted to be detached therefrom to permit shifting and adjusting movements of said hinges and seat connected thereon.

l0. Ina device of the class described a frame having slots therein, the edges of said slots notched, a plurality of members mounted for adjustment on said frame, means on said members engaging through said slots, one of said means longer than the other thereof and all of said means in one position rigidly locked from movement, and when shifted laterally capable of adjustment, and mechanism attachable on the outer end of said longer means to prevent said shifting movement and lock said members from adjustment in the frame.

11. In a device of the class described a frame, seat and desk members adjustable therein, means for locking the same in an adjusted position comprising cored out blocks each having a keyhole slot in the surface thereof, and a pin on said seat and desk members each one adapted to receive a block engaged thereon.

12. In a device of the class described a frame having slots therein, the edges of said slots notched, hinged members adjustably mounted on said frame, projecting pins thereon adapted to engage through said slots, and recessed to permit movement from one notch to another in said slots after being shifted laterally therethrough, and a locking member adapted to be engagedon a pin to prevent shifting movement thereof comprising a cored out block having a keyhole slot in the surface thereof for engagement over said pin and attachment on the outer end thereof.

13. In a device of the class described a frame having slots therein, the edges of said slots having a plurality of notches therein, hinge members adjustably mounted in said frame, pins thereon engaging in said slots and having recesses therein, said pins when in position with their recesses out of register With said slots prevented from movement therealong and when shifted laterally therethrough with their recesses registered therewith capable of adjustment in said slots, and means adapted to be engaged on said pins interfitting with the recesses therein to prevent lateral shifting thereof and consequent adjustment in said slots.

14. In a device of the class described a frame, slots therein having notches in the edges thereof, member's adjustable on said frame, pins thereon engaging through said slots, said pins having recessed portions Which when shifted into register with the edges of said slots, permit movement of the pins along said slots and said members therewith, and when shifted out of register with said slots, prevent movement of said pins and members along said slots, and means attachable on the ends of said pins interlocking with the recessed portions adapted when attached thereon to prevent shifting movement thereof to lock said members in an adjusted position on said frame.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

HENRY E. MAXWELL.

Witnesses:

CHARLES W. HILLS, J r., FRANK K. HUDSON.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. O. 

